Why We Do What We Do: Purpose, Patients, and Life’s Defining Moments with Tony Sommer

From Optometrist to Entrepreneur: Taking Risks and Thinking Bigger with Dr. Brianna Rhue

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist, entrepreneur, practice owner, and founder of Dr. Contact Lens, Dr. Brianna Rhue, for a conversation about ambition, entrepreneurship, family, purpose, and the seasons of life. What begins as a discussion about Brianna’s journey from practicing optometry to becoming a technology entrepreneur quickly unfolds into a deeper conversation about dreaming bigger, pursuing opportunities others may not understand, and balancing personal fulfillment with family responsibilities. Brianna reflects on growing up in an entrepreneurial family, learning business lessons through her parents’ furniture company, and eventually building a successful business that bridges the gap between clinicians and industry partners. She shares the challenges of pursuing a vision that many people cannot immediately see, and how entrepreneurs often face misunderstanding when they choose to invest time, energy, and resources into something larger than themselves. The conversation moves beyond business into more personal territory as both Katie and Brianna discuss aging, mortality, parenthood, personal growth, and the evolving priorities that come with different decades of life. Katie reflects on her desire to leave a meaningful legacy through her books, podcast, and community work, while Brianna shares the unique perspective that comes from raising young children and rediscovering wonder through their eyes. Together, they explore what it means to embrace each season of life fully, find peace amidst constant demands, and remain open to growth even as priorities shift. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that life is made up of chapters, and that every season offers an opportunity to learn, create, connect, and leave something meaningful behind.   Key Takeaways Big dreams often come with misunderstanding Pursuing entrepreneurship and innovation frequently means seeing possibilities that others cannot yet see. Visionaries are often misunderstood long before their ideas become obvious to everyone else. Every season of life has its own purpose Different stages of life bring different priorities, lessons, and opportunities. Fulfillment comes from embracing the season you are in rather than wishing for another one. Legacy is built through everyday actions Whether through raising children, serving patients, building businesses, writing books, or helping others grow, meaningful impact is created through consistent daily choices.   Quotes from the Episode “Dream bigger.” “You can always look back and connect the dots, but you can't connect the dots looking forward.” “Seize each season as if it's your last season.”   About Dr. Brianna Rhue Dr. Brianna Rhue, OD, FAAO, FSLS, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona, where she was a cheerleader, before receiving her Doctor of Optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her residency at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. Today, Dr. Rhue is the owner of a successful private practice in South Florida and the Co-Founder and CEO of Dr. Contact Lens, an innovative healthcare technology company that has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Her professional passions include healthcare technology, myopia management, specialty contact lenses, and practice management. She is committed to helping eye care professionals embrace innovation while also understanding the business side of medicine. Outside of work, Brianna enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, playing tennis and pickleball, practicing yoga, and traveling. She is an avid reader of business books and frequently recommends Buy Back Your Time to fellow entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals. Her favorite quote perfectly reflects her entrepreneurial mindset: “You can wake up every day and build someone else's dream, or you can wake up every day and build your own.”   Connect with Dr. Brianna Rhue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcontactlens/ [https://www.instagram.com/drcontactlens/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannarhue/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannarhue/] Website: https://drcontactlens.com [https://drcontactlens.com]

The Relationships That Matter with Dr. Mark Kapperman: Purpose, Mentorship, and Leaving a Legacy

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist, humanitarian, and longtime Vision Source leader Dr. Mark Kapperman for a thoughtful conversation about faith, service, purpose, forgiveness, and the relationships that shape our lives. Recorded during the Vision Source Exchange in Nashville, Tennessee, the discussion begins with reflections on independent optometry, the privilege of caring for patients over decades, and the meaningful relationships that develop through long-term healthcare. What follows is a deeply personal conversation about life beyond the exam room. Mark shares the story of how a simple eye exam in the tenth grade changed the course of his life forever. After struggling to see well enough to play baseball, receiving his first pair of glasses became a transformative moment that inspired him to pursue optometry. Decades later, he continues to find fulfillment in helping others experience that same life-changing gift of sight. Throughout the episode, both Katie and Mark reflect on the role faith has played in their lives. They revisit their chance encounter at a previous Vision Source Exchange, a moment they both describe as a “God moment,” and discuss how faith provides strength, direction, and perspective during life’s most challenging seasons. The conversation also explores forgiveness, healing, mentorship, service, and personal growth. Katie courageously shares part of her journey through childhood trauma and healing, while Mark reflects on the importance of integrity, relationships, and maintaining perspective through mission work in Honduras, where he has served for more than two decades providing eye care to underserved communities. Together, they discuss the value of time, the importance of community, and the realization that purpose is often found not in achievement, but in serving others and lifting people up. This episode is a powerful reminder that success is not measured by titles or accomplishments alone. It is measured by the lives we touch, the people we encourage, and the faith that carries us forward.   Key Takeaways Purpose often reveals itself through service Both Katie and Mark reflect on how their greatest fulfillment has come not from professional accomplishments, but from serving patients, communities, and people who need encouragement and support. Faith provides strength, clarity, and perspective Faith can become an anchor during difficult seasons, helping people navigate challenges, heal from past wounds, and trust a greater purpose. Time and relationships are life’s most valuable assets Whether through family, patients, friendships, or mission work, meaningful relationships and intentional use of time ultimately matter more than achievements or possessions.   Quotes from the Episode “What we get to do every day is quite amazing.” “There is nothing in this world that can ever hold you back from achieving your dreams.” “We need family. We need colleagues. We need friends. We need each other.”   About Dr. Mark Kapperman Dr. Mark R. Kapperman is a Chattanooga-based optometrist and founder of Kapperman McGarvey Eye Group, which he established in 1988. Over the years, the practice has grown into one of the region’s leading providers of primary eye care, known for its family-centered approach and commitment to exceptional patient experiences. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Kapperman has served in numerous leadership roles within the profession, mentored future optometrists, and contributed as adjunct faculty for multiple universities. His passion for service extends far beyond Tennessee through extensive humanitarian work in Honduras, Belize, and Panama, where he has helped provide vision care to underserved communities for more than two decades. A dedicated advocate for both professional excellence and personal connection, Mark believes some of the greatest rewards in life come through serving others, building meaningful relationships, and investing in future generations. He and his wife, Anita, are proud parents of three children, including two who followed in his footsteps as optometric physicians. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to patient care, leadership, mentorship, faith, and service.   Connect with Dr. Mark Kapperman Website https://www.kmeyegroup.com/doctors/mark-kapperman.html [https://www.kmeyegroup.com/doctors/mark-kapperman.html]

What Really Matters with Dr. John Womack: Patience, Perspective, and Living with Intention

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist, speaker, and longtime colleague Dr. John Womack for a heartfelt conversation about family, gratitude, purpose, personal growth, and the people who shape our lives. Recorded in Atlanta before a professional training event, the conversation follows the show's signature “soft chews and hard chews” format, blending lighthearted stories with meaningful reflections on life's most important lessons. Dr. Womack shares his journey from a small town in Georgia to building a successful career in optometry, while reflecting on the decision that unexpectedly shaped his life the most: returning to Florida after graduation. What seemed like a simple choice at the time ultimately led him to his wife, his family, and much of the life he treasures today. Throughout the conversation, themes of gratitude and appreciation emerge again and again. John speaks openly about the mentors, family members, colleagues, and loved ones who helped him become who he is today, describing how he often feels he is standing on the shoulders of giants. He reflects on the importance of recognizing those influences and making sure the people we care about know how much they matter. Katie shares stories of family traditions, raising daughters, serving an underserved community, and embracing opportunities that once felt intimidating, including becoming a public speaker. Together, they discuss patience, personal growth, accepting differences in the people we love, and the challenge of slowing down in a fast moving world. One particularly moving moment centers on grief and loss as Katie reflects on the passing of her beloved therapist and mentor. The conversation explores faith, gratitude, and the lasting impact people leave on our lives long after they are gone. Warm, reflective, and deeply human, this episode is a reminder that life’s greatest gifts are often the people who guide us, support us, and help us become who we are meant to be.   Key Takeaways We are shaped by the people who invest in us Success is rarely achieved alone. Family, mentors, friends, and colleagues often play a critical role in shaping who we become and the opportunities we pursue. Life changing decisions often seem small in the moment What feels like an ordinary decision can have extraordinary consequences. Sometimes the choices that shape our lives most are the ones we barely recognize at the time. Growth often requires acceptance rather than control Learning to accept circumstances, perspectives, and personalities we cannot change can create greater peace, patience, and fulfillment.   Quotes from the Episode “You stand on the shoulders of giants.” “The easiest decision I ever made in my life was getting back to Florida.” “It’s not up to me to change them, and they shouldn’t be changed.”   About Dr. John Womack Dr. John Womack graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in 2002 and has spent more than 23 years serving patients across the United States. He currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Family First Vision Care and West Point Optical Group, a role he has held for the past seven years. Through this position, he works with doctors across more than 90 practices spanning 13 states. In addition to his primary care practice work, Dr. Womack has served as a key opinion leader for Bausch + Lomb for over a decade and for LENZ. Outside of optometry, one of John's greatest passions is distance running. He recently completed his 28th marathon in Oklahoma, a race he describes as one of the most meaningful experiences of his running journey outside of the famous Boston Marathon. Throughout his career, he has remained grateful for the opportunities to learn, grow, and work alongside remarkable people, experiences he considers among the greatest gifts of his professional life.   Connect with Dr. John Womack Website: https://familyfirstvisioncare.com/ [https://familyfirstvisioncare.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-womack-od-22605b80/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-womack-od-22605b80/]

The Hidden Reason We Feel Stuck: Leadership Lessons on Growth and Clarity with Dr. Ben Thayil

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist, entrepreneur, leadership strategist, and founder of LeadOD, Dr. Ben Thayil, for a thoughtful and transformative conversation about leadership, purpose, authenticity, and the inner work required for meaningful growth. What begins as a discussion about leadership development quickly evolves into a deeper exploration of personal transformation. Dr. Thayil shares the foundational belief behind his leadership philosophy: true leadership growth starts on the inside. Professional success, business growth, and external achievement can only expand to the level that a person has developed internally. Throughout the conversation, Katie and Ben openly discuss therapy, emotional healing, childhood experiences, and the hidden struggles that often exist beneath outward success. Ben reflects on the realization that many of the barriers limiting his professional growth were not external obstacles, but unresolved personal challenges that required deeper self awareness and intentional work. Katie shares her own journey toward greater authenticity and alignment, reflecting on the freedom that comes from embracing vulnerability and showing up as her true self rather than trying to meet external expectations. Together, they explore topics including burnout, emotional intelligence, parenting, purpose driven work, identity, and the importance of seeing people as individuals rather than positions or titles. They also discuss how healthcare professionals often underestimate the profound impact they have on the lives of their patients. One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is the idea that purpose transforms ordinary work into meaningful service. Whether answering phones, scheduling appointments, caring for patients, leading teams, or raising children, connecting daily actions to a deeper purpose creates greater engagement, fulfillment, and impact. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth begins with self awareness, leadership starts within, and authentic human connection remains one of the greatest gifts we can offer others.   Key Takeaways Leadership growth begins with personal growth Leadership development is ultimately personal development. As people grow internally, their ability to lead, influence, and create meaningful impact naturally expands. Authenticity reduces burnout and creates alignment Maintaining multiple versions of ourselves can be exhausting. Greater authenticity creates clarity, purpose, and sustainable energy. Purpose transforms ordinary work into meaningful service When daily tasks are connected to a larger mission, engagement, fulfillment, and impact increase dramatically.   Quotes from the Episode “Leadership development is personal growth with a title.” “We build better organizations by building better people.” “When we find ourselves stuck externally, it's often because we're stuck internally.”   About Dr. Ben Thayil Dr. Ben Thayil is an optometrist, entrepreneur, and leadership strategist based in South Florida. As the founder of Lifetime Vision & Eye Care and LeadOD, he works at the intersection of healthcare and leadership, helping professionals build organizations that not only perform well, but align with the life they want to live. His work focuses on a challenge many high achievers quietly face: creating external success while feeling fragmented internally. That insight forms the foundation of his upcoming book, Big E Energy, where he introduces an inside out framework for leadership and life. The book challenges traditional ideas about productivity and energy, reframing energy not as hustle or output, but as the strength that comes from alignment. Through coaching, speaking, and leadership development, Dr. Thayil helps leaders move from feeling exhausted and disconnected to becoming focused, resilient, and fully engaged in both life and work.   Connect with Dr. Ben Thayil LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenthayil/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenthayil/] Website: http://www.LeadOD.com [http://www.LeadOD.com]

Dr. Jon Crum on Soulmates, Survival, and the Life That Comes After Pain

In this deeply personal and emotional episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with longtime friend and optometrist Dr. Jon Crum for a heartfelt conversation about healing, resilience, faith, personal growth, and the unexpected ways life can come full circle. The episode begins with reflections on their shared history, including opening an optometry practice together in Chino Hills in the early 1990s and navigating the difficult realities of an abusive relationship that deeply impacted not only family life, but also the workplace, staff, and patients around them. With honesty and vulnerability, Katie revisits the life changing events of November 1st, 2001, the moment both she and Jon made decisions that ultimately transformed the trajectory of their lives. Katie reflects on leaving an abusive marriage and expresses deep gratitude toward Jon for encouraging her to take the difficult but necessary steps to protect herself and her daughters. From there, the conversation evolves into a thoughtful exploration of healing, identity, and personal growth over time. Both guests reflect on how experiences such as divorce, faith, parenthood, and aging reshape priorities and deepen perspective. Jon shares his excitement about entering a new chapter of life, including finding love again later in life and preparing for a future engagement after enduring a difficult divorce. Katie reflects on redefining herself beyond past trauma, learning to trust her own voice, and embracing a more grounded and authentic approach to life. Throughout the episode, themes of forgiveness, emotional safety, healthy relationships, faith, and second chances are woven together with warmth, humor, and deep mutual respect. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, growth can emerge from pain, and life can still surprise you with joy, purpose, and meaningful connection, even after the hardest seasons.   Key Takeaways Healing often begins with difficult decisions Both Katie and Jon reflect on the painful but necessary choices required to leave unhealthy situations and create space for healthier futures. Growth changes what we value most Life experience shifts perspective toward emotional safety, faith, authenticity, family, and meaningful connection over external appearances or expectations. Second chances are possible at any stage of life Finding peace, love, and fulfillment is not limited by age or past experiences. Healing and joy can still emerge after life’s hardest chapters.   Quotes from the Episode “I’m living my best life now.” “There’s always that one person out there that you’re destined to be with.” “The only way you move to the next level is to see what wisdom comes from the experience.”   About Dr. Jon Crum Dr. Jon M. Crum is a principal of Crum Optometric Group, Inc. and a stakeholder in Total Vision Holdings, LLC, with more than three decades of experience in optometric leadership and business management. Born in Fullerton, California, Jon attended University of California, Los Angeles, earning a degree in Psychobiology in 1986. He later received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1990 and has practiced in the same Chino Hills location for more than 33 years. Beyond optometry, Jon is deeply committed to genealogical research and American historical preservation. He is an active member of several lineage based organizations, including the Sons of the American Revolution, the Society of Colonial Wars, the Jamestowne Society, and The Order of the First Families of Maryland. He is also involved with Wreaths Across America and collaborates with the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum on educational outreach efforts for the America 250 semiquincentennial initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.   Connect with Dr. Jon Crum Website https://drjoncrum.com/ [https://drjoncrum.com/]